October 31, 2018 (Russell, ON) - Russell High School (RHS) hosted a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Day on Thursday, October 25 allowing LGBTQ+ students to connect with others within the community. They learned how to run GSA clubs and raise community awareness.

“It really helped with student wellness,” said organizer Lisa Elminowski. “The kids who attended now see themselves represented in our school population. They know they are not in isolation. It is a huge boon to their self-esteem, their mental health, and it gives them a sense of dignity and growth.”

Organizers and attendees also discussed how to run a GSA club. They spoke about potential activities such as information events, attending PRIDE parades, and reaching out to the community in other ways. The day finished with a session on Queer history presented by the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity.